Cattle exporters say they have sent their own investigators to check on Indonesian abattoirs.

A report on the ABC's Lateline program this week showed images of a steer having its throat cut without being stunned.

The report has triggered an investigation by the Federal Government.

Kevin Mulvahil from the Northern Territory Livestock Exporters Association says Australian workers have been sent to dozens of Indonesian abattoirs to make sure correct slaughter procedures are being followed.

"I think it is an isolated event," he said.

"The exporters, as soon as they understood that there were issues in Indonesia, sent their senior staff to review supply chains."

Mr Mulvahil say Australians should not make "rash or uninformed comments" about conditions in Indonesian abattoirs.

He says a full investigation needs to take place before any decision about the live export trade is made.

"At this stage, it is premature to make too many comments until a few facts have come through," he said.

"We have definitely got footage and that has been shown but until the investigation is complete it really is difficult to make well-founded comments."